Kohistan (Sindh)
Cultural and Mountainous Region in Sindh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kohistan (Sindhi: ڪوھستان) also called Sindh-Kohistan[1] and Sindhi Kohistan[2] is a Mountainous, Cultural and Historical region in western Sindh while it historically included the Mountainous areas of Lasbela,[3][4][5][6][7][8] it's located between Indus river to the east & Hub river of Balochistan to west.[9] it's located across the Kirthar Mountains, Dadu District, Jamshoro District, and Gadap of Karachi.[10][11][12][13][14] The entirety of the Kirthar Mountains are a part of Kohistan.[15]
Etymology
History
Kohistan was under Achaemenids and Sasanians when they ruled Sindh, Later Kohistan came under the control of Rai and Chach dynasties of Sindh.[17]
The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited Kohistan of Sindh during 630 a.d, he talks about the tribes of Western Sindh (Kohistan) being ferocious, raising cattle, recognizing no organized government, and although they were Buddhists and looked like them, but this face of theirs was only apparent, as otherwise they were cruel and wicked.[18]
The tribes of Kohistan played an important rule under the Soomra and Samma Sultanates of Sindh and also during the Arghun and Tarkhan Kingdoms. When the Arghuns supplanted the Samma dynasty, the Burfats, and other Kohistani tribes launched guerilla attacks on them. They ransacked villages under the domains of Arghuns. After the Mughal occupation of Sindh the Mughals gave these Kohistani tribes Jagirs as far as Sehwan.[19]
Kohistan came under the occupation of ruler of Lasbela Malik Pahar Khan Burfat during 1705 A.D, after conquering Kohistan Malik Pahar Khan Burfat set his eyes on Kachho area of Dadu which was under the rule of Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro. At that time, Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro was also expanding the borders of his rule toward the south., in 1117 AH / 1705 AD, a war broke between Mian Yar Muhammad and Malik Pahar Khan in which Malik Pahar Khan was Defeated.[20][21][22]
Malik Pahar Khan Burfat's son Malik Izzat Khan, became a general in the Kalhora army and fought many battles. He died in 1776 and was buried near the government degree college, Kotri.[23][24][21]
Archaeology
Sindh Kohistan is home to numerous archaeological sites, including ancient graveyards, rock carvings, prehistoric settlements, and man-made monuments. Among its most notable sites are the Taung Tombs, which contain around 350 carved stone graves decorated with depictions of swords, horsemen, peacocks, serpents, and jewelry. Other archaeological landmarks include Meeri Je Bhuthi, a man-made pyramid, and the historic Kerchat area.[25]
Folklore and Shrines
Sindh Kohistan contains several shrines and sites associated with local folklore. Among the most prominent are the shrine of Baba Ratan Nath (locally known as Rathan Shah by Muslims), which is maintained by the descendants of Jam Lohar Burfat, and the Tak Makan Cemetery near Kodhiri Mountain. Believed to date to the 12th century, the cemetery contains the tomb of Piraro Palari and is associated with a local legend about a Nithalo who is said to have built the necropolis. An inscription found at the site has been interpreted as indicating a 12th-century origin.[26]